“I will never forget that I would not be standing here today if it weren’t for the commitment that was made not only in the African American community, but also the Jewish American community and the great social movements in our country’s history. Jewish and African Americans have stood shoulder to shoulder. They took buses down south together. They marched together. They bled together, Jewish Americans like Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, willing to die alongside a black man James Chaney, on behalf of freedom and on behalf of equality. Their legacy is our inheritance.

We must not allow the relationship between Jews and African Americans to suffer. This is a bond that must be strengthened. Together we can rededicate ourselves to end prejudice and combat hatred in all its forms. Together we can renew our commitment to justice.”